L2Q Studio

Shortly after completion of the L2Q house the owners decided to build a structure on the alley for an art studio and a small apartment. The backyard cottage, or detached accessory dwelling unit, is a building type recently permitted by the city of Seattle with the hopes of increasing population density and creating more affordable housing options in certain neighborhoods of the city. The L2Q studio represents an early example of this building type.

A compact double-height studio on the ground floor receives abundant northern light through large polycarbonate-clad clerestory windows. The upper floor leans out over a carport below to capture views of the Cascade Mountains to the east. Simplicity of form, minimal detailing and the use of inexpensive but durable materials allowed the project to be completed for $125 per square foot.